A Survey of the History of Music in Afghanistan:

This book focuses on history of music in Afghanistan from Ancient time till the 21st and deals with various sources of information. At the beginning early evidence is found in music archaeology and iconography. This data documents the presence of Greek music as well as the musical instruments attributed to local traditions. Written texts dating from the 10th century A.D onward are important sources for later eras. These include musical treatises poems historical works observations from international travellers and scholars miniature paintings and recent scholarship and oral history of Afghan musicians for the last two hundred years which emphasises the role of Afghan musicians and dancers of Indian descendant Pasht?n and Herati musicians earlier Central Asian tradition the introduction of influences from Western music and music ensembles. This study reveals a complex interplay of musical traditions from four sources? ancient and medieval Central Asia indigenous Pasht?n culture India and recently from Western music. The mosaic shows a vibrant musical culture that has lasted in a healthy condition until the last three decades.